George Ballentine

George Ballentine Historical Figure Nationality: Resident of the United States (Confederate States, 1861-5) Year of Birth: 19th Century Year of Death: Probably 1920s or '30s Occupation: Military Branch: Confederate Army Fictional Appearances: The Guns of the South POD: January 17, 1864 Type of Appearance: Direct Nationality: Resident of the Confederate States Date of Death: 1864 Cause of Death: Shot as a runaway Military Branch: C.S. Army (Second American Revolution)

George Ballentine was a North Carolina slave before and during the American Civil War. He accompanied his owner, Addison Holland into the 47th North Carolina. He served as Holland's bodyguard as well as a provision hauler for much of the war. In 1927, he was one of several black men who received a pension from the North Carolina legislature for his service during the war.

George Ballentine in The Guns of the South

George Ballentine was a slave of Addison Holland. Ballentine accompanied Holland as a bodyguard when the latter joined the 47th North Carolina infantry regiment during the Second American Revolution. After Holland deserted, Ballentine remained with Company H as cook, tailor and general handyman.

When the Rivington Men began supplying AK-47s, Ballentine had become so ingrained with the company that the men gave him one of the new repeaters. Benny Lang observed him strut toward the Company H camp as he rode up and demanded to know from 1st Sgt. Nate Caudell why he was letting a "kaffir" go about armed. Caudell explained the situation and indicated he wasn't in Company H. Lang demanded to know who commanded the company and stormed off to confront Capt. Sidney Mitchell.

Lang browbeat Mitchell into taking the rifle from Ballentine. Ballentine seemed to take it calmly but that night ran off. He attempted to cross the Rapidan but was spotted by a Confederate patrol and shot dead. His body was brought back to the 47th where the men of Company H gave him a formal funeral.